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Silence in Church
Topic Started: Monday, 7. May 2007, 14:16 (578 Views)
Rose of York
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Fortunatus
Feb 22 2008, 03:02 PM

Are we better off now that those of us who believe in quiet contemplation must either take ourselves off to the woods or buy ear plugs?

Funny you should say that. I DID buy some earplugs, I inserted one when necessary and left the packet on the little ledge where one normally puts hymn books. Green Cardigan saw it. I got a mucky look. She has been quiet during Mass since then, not uttered a peek.

You must have heard that women keep all sorts of stuff in handbags. I have just found the packet in the bottom of mine. It says
Noisex
Wax Earplugs.
Mouldable, cotton covered.
6 Pairs.

It is made of transparent plastic, and currently contains 5 and a half pairs. Once was enough to do the trick. I only needed to plug the ear on the side where Green Cardigan was sitting. The other remained unplugged so I could hear that which I should hear during Mass.

:rofl:
Keep the Faith!

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Derekap
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A few mornings ago I awoke to find a golden glow through the blinds. When I looked out the clear sky was a beautiful golden glow. To me this was an invitation to pray for the conversion and reunion of Christians in these islands and the world as well as peace.

A beautiful rainbow is also, for me, an inspiration to pray.

Many years ago as we flew low over Rome to land at the airport, I looked down on Rome and Vatican City; the hymn "Full in the panting heart of Rome.....God Bless the Pope" came to mind.
Derekap
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Lilo
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The situation in our parish is much like what Rose describes, with one exception: I can get in any time I like. With any luck, it can be a quiet time for prayer, unless others show up to meet, chat, prepare for some event or other . . . it's happened, but the odds for peace & quiet are pretty good.

We have attempted to pray the Rosary before Mass during May and October - but gave up. The racket of those unwilling to join in simply drowned out any effort at prayer.

The root problem in a lot of bad catechesis is ultimately not ignorance, but pride. ~ Mark Shea

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Derekap
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Further to my recent contribution; both yesterday morning and evening there were a few minutes when the sky was also beautiful enough to inspire me to pray. Somehow I felt an atmosphere of hope. Don't worry, I'm not going to follow in Christine Gallagher's footsteps, at least I pray not.
Derekap
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Michaeljohn

Quote:
 
We have attempted to pray the Rosary before Mass during May and October - but gave up. The racket of those unwilling to join in simply drowned out any effort at prayer.
Didn't somebody some time ago post a report of a parish in England somewhere (sorry, I'm not usually this vague) where the priest had put in A-board inside the door with a notice saying "Welcome to My House. If you want to talk, talk to Me"?
Perhaps the idea could catch on. :rolleyes:
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Rose of York
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There was such a posting. I think it was an American parish.

Now that No Smoking notices are compulsory how about No Praying signs? That would deal with pests who make unreasonable demands for peace and quiet.
Keep the Faith!

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Fortunatus

I can't work out where the disrespect of the Real Presence has come from. I can't think of a better word for it, I'm afraid.
It was always the case that, at least before Mass, you entered the church while perhaps nodding and smiling to those you knew who caught your eye, and then knelt down and prepared yourself for Mass. The only conversation might be of the "would you take up the Offertory?" or "the altar server hasn't turned up; can you 'do' the bells?" variety.
In my own parish now there is a constant hum which can sometimes resume after the Creed (while the collection is being taken) and often after Communion and certainly as soon as the priest has left the nave.
What is so all-fired important that it can't wait until we're out of the building? Is this an extension of the philosophy that since God is "everywhere" we don't need to consider the church where He is Really Present as a special place any more?
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Deleted User
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Yes we have the same problem as described by Fortunatus, particularly before Mass begins. As one of the old school, this annoys me. I try to console myself by saying that it shows a familiarity and comfort with being in Church but I do agree it can be most off-putting.

A few years ago, when we had some outlying churches as well as the main one, I went to one of the smaller ones and turned up a full hour before Mass started by mistake. I was considerably put out that almost every person including the priest did a double-take when they saw me and came over to ask if I was all right. This went on until about 10 minutes before Mass started and made me think that people did not see me as the pious soul I had always thought I projected.!


John
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Derekap
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"A few years ago, when we had some outlying churches as well as the main one, I went to one of the smaller ones and turned up a full hour before Mass started by mistake."

Don't say you forgot to put the clock back, John?

Derekap
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Rose of York
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John Sweeney
Feb 26 2008, 03:09 PM
I try to console myself by saying that it shows a familiarity and comfort with being in Church but I do agree it can be most off-putting.

Which begs a question. Do they find no familiarity and comfort with being in Church with Christ who is resident in the tabernacle? He is a good companion.

The problem seems to stem from the "necessity" for "parish workers" to discuss whatever it is they discuss, and they tend to buzz around the church doing that. They will approach parishioners, asking them to creosote the fence, take Holy Communion to old Mrs Jones because Jenny who usually does it is not feeling well, remind each other there is a meeting on Tuesday. Don't they have telephones?

One priest said such behaviour was acceptable because the church was the only place where "people who are involved" can get together and discuss matters. His church had a very find parish hall. I pointed out that few people lack a telephone.
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Rose of York
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A thought struck me:

There are people who are offended if another person dares to politely request being left alone, whilst trying to pray inside a church building.

Do those people believe in God?
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Deacon Robert
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This past weekend I believe we had the prize winner for lack of silence. When I entered church prior to the vigil mass, during the time set aside for confessions, the Pastor was holding a wedding rehersal. There were people trying to go to confession, people who come to mass early to pray in silence, and 35 to 40 people running around with the wedding rehersal. This continued until 3 minuites before mass started.
The burden of life is from ourselves, its lightness from the grace of Christ and the love of God. - William Bernard Ullanthorne

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Derekap
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I wonder how many of those attending the rehearsal stayed on for Holy Mass. Admittedly any who left may have attended on the Sunday.
Derekap
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Deacon Robert
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" wonder how many of those attending the rehearsal stayed on for Holy Mass. "

NONE.

They went Sunday, at least to the wedding Mass.

We had one wedding on Saturday and two on Sunday. I feel bad for those on Sunday. It was 98 degrees with 60% humidity and our Aircon. died Sunday morning.
The burden of life is from ourselves, its lightness from the grace of Christ and the love of God. - William Bernard Ullanthorne

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Rose of York
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Spotted on the website of Holy Spirit Church, Heckmondwike (Diocese of Leeds)

http://www.holyspiritchurch.org.uk/Bulletin_files/page0001.htm

Quote:
 
NOISE IN THE CHURCH

This is not just “Fr Abberton with a bee in his bonnet”. The church is getting very noisy again, especially after Mass. PLEASE do not talk unless it is absolutely necessary. It used to be part of our Catholic tradition that we kept silence in our churches. It is sad to see that those who want to pray are distracted by others who feel the need to talk to each other. We also need to remember that the Blessed Sacrament is in the church and we owe the Lord reverence and respect.


Well done, Father Abberton. :thanks:

He doesn't mine his words, and he makes it clear he, the parish priest, is concerned, as well as parishioners who wish to use the church for prayer.

I wish more priests would issue such instructions.
Keep the Faith!

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